1997 gave us two very different kinds of extreme metal aggression. From Norway came Gorgoroth’s “Under the Sign of Hell”, a cold, raw black metal record. From the US came Deicide’s “Serpents of the Light” with fast death metal riffs and Glen Benton’s furious vocals.
Both albums came out in 1997 but they take different roads into the darkness. So, if you could pick only one, which one would you take home?
Gorgoroth – “Under the Sign of Hell”
Recorded in 1996 and released in 1997, “Under the Sign of Hell” was Gorgoroth third studio album. The lineup featured Pest on vocals, Infernus on guitar and Grim on drums. It was the only Gorgoroth album to feature Grim behind the kit.
The sound is raw, cold and relentless. Grim’s fierce drumming drives the attack, while Pest moves between harsh black metal shrieks and more unusual vocal passages.
“Profetens Åpenbaring” stands out for its shifts in atmosphere and vocals, while “Revelation of Doom” opens the album at full speed. “Funeral Procession” brings that icy Norwegian black metal feeling and “The Rite of Infernal Invocation” captures the record dark, uncompromising spirit.
The original album has earned a strong reputation among black metal fans. Its 2011 re-recording, however, proved much more divisive, with many purists preferring the raw sound of the original.
Deicide – “Serpents of the Light”
Released on October 21, 1997, “Serpents of the Light” was Deicide fourth studio album, featuring Glen Benton on bass and vocals, the Hoffman brothers on guitars and Steve Asheim on drums.
Deicide took a more direct approach, combining aggressive vocals, sharp guitar work and Steve Asheim driving double-bass drumming. Some listeners felt the songwriting was simpler than on the band first three albums, but the record still delivered plenty of memorable tracks.
The title track sets the pace, while “Bastard of Christ” brings a thrashier edge. “Slave to the Cross” stands out for its memorable chorus and “Blame It on God” gets another catchy, hard-hitting moment.
Benton also revealed that the title track was written about a friend of his who had died, adding a personal story behind the album name.
Two albums. Two kinds of extremity.
Gorgoroth brought the cold atmosphere, raw vocals and relentless black metal attack of “Under the Sign of Hell” . Deicide answered with the crushing riffs, furious vocals and driving rhythms of “Serpents of the Light”.
Both have their own appeal, but only one can make it into your record collection today.
Which one are you taking home?
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